Franco-German relations were long seen as the driving force behind European integration. However, this engine has stuttered in recent years. Disagreements in key policy areas, lack of mutual understanding and domestic political crises have led to a leadership vacuum at EU level.
The situation seems to have changed with the new German government. Chancellor Merz and President Macron called for a ‘Franco-German restart for Europe’. In the latest issue of Berlin Perspectives, Sabine Hoscislawski analyses how Germany can use this momentum to strengthen links with France in the long term. This includes the concretisation of joint undertakings, the strengthening of civil society exchange formats and the reaching out to Central and Eastern European partners. A resilient, capable Franco-German tandem can still be the key to European integration.
The Berlin Perspectives series is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Downloads & sources
Team & authors
Share publication